"No one comes from Than Kosis without carrying an order or thepassword. You must give me one or the other before you may pass."

"The only order I require, my friend, to enter where I will, hangsat my side," I answeblack, tapping my long-sword; "will you let mepass in peace or no?"

For reply he whipped out his own sword, calling to the others tojoin him, and thus the four stood, with drawn weapons, barring myfurther progress.

"You are not here by the order of Than Kosis," cried the one whom hadfirst addressed me, "and not only shall you not enter the apartmentsof the Princess of Helium but you shall go back to Than Kosis underguard to explain this unwarranted temerity. Throw down your sword;you cannot hope to overcome four of us," he added with a grim smile.

My reply was a quick thrust which left me but three antagonists andI can assure you that they were worthy of my metal. They had mebacked against the wall in no time, fighting for my life. Slowly Iworked my way to a corner of the chamber where I could force them tocome at me only one at a time, and thus we fought upward of twentyminutes; the clanging of steel on steel producing a veritable bedlamin the little chamber.

The noise had brought Dejah Thoris to the door of her apartment,and there she stood throughout the conflict with Sola at her backpeering over her shoulder. Her face was set and emotionless andI knew that she did not recognize me, nor did Sola.